Improvement in tortoise-shell handles for fire-arms



UNITED S'r'rEs AUGUST TRENKMANN, OF BRQOKLYN, E..D., NEW YORK.

IMPROVEMENT lN TORTOISE-SHELL HANDLES FOR FIRE-ARMS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 169,812, dated October26, 1875; application filed July 9, 1875 To all whom it may conc'em:

Be it known that I, AUGUST TRENKMANN, of Brooklyn, E. D., in the countyof Kings and State of New York, have invented a new anduseful-Improvement in Tortoise-Shell Handle for Fire-Arms, 860., whichImprovement is fully set forth in the following specification, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawing, in which- Figure 1 represents aside view of my handle. Fig. 2 is a rear view thereof. Fig. 3 is across-section in the plane of the line a: :12, Fig. 2. Fig.4 is alongitudinal section in the plane of the line 3 3 Fig. 1.

Similar lettersindicate corresponding parts.

My invention relates to a novel method of applying tortoise-shell tohandles for fire-arms and otherarticles; andmy invention consists infusing an exterior scale of tortoise-shell to a supporting piece orpieces constitutin g the handle, or adapted to be secured thereto, insuch a manner that a firm union of the scale with the supporting-piecestakes place, while I obtain a strong, durable, and ornamentalarticle.

The handle is constructed of two side sections, each composed of a scaleof tortoiseshell and its supporting-piece; and the sections are fastenedtogether and to the shank of the handle by a screw-bolt.

In the accompanying illustration of my invention applied to the handleofa revolver, A designates the shank of a handle to which are fastened thetwo side sections B B by an ordinary screw-bolt, G. The letters a adesignate tortoise-shell scales; and D D are their supporting-pieces,the latter being preferably constructed of cast metal, and with hollowportions b b, in order to reduce their weight..

In carrying out my invention, I cast the supporting-pieces D D of thedesired shape, according to the nature of the article to which they areto be applied. I then procure pieces of tortoise-shell of proper size tocover the surface of the supporting-pieces, and, having heated thelatter to a suitable degree, I apply the tortoise-shell to theirsurfaces by com- I pression, the shell being rused or partially moltenby the action of the heat, so that it may be pressed to the shape of thesupporting-pieces, and the molten shell, at the same time, having atendency to enter the pores of the metal composing thesupporting-pieces, so that an exceedingly firm union of the parts takesplace. This union, moreover, is promoted by indenting or serrating thesurfaces of the supporting-pieces.

It is obvious thatthe tortoise-shell may be heated instead of thesupporting-pieces also, that the supporting-pieces D D may be dispensedwith, and the shell be applied directly without departing from mynvention.

with the melal the former partakes of the strength of the latter, andthe whole is rendered exceedingly durable, while I, moreover, obtain ahandle the surface of which Is unbro ken save where the parts areseciired together.

My invention is applicable to handles for pocket or table knives, forks,and other similar articles, as well as for revolvers and otherfire-arms.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The mode, substantially as herein described,- of combiningtortoise-shells with the metal supporting-pieces forming the handles offirearms, the same consisting in heatin g the metal supporting-pieces,and then applying and compressing thereon the tortoise-shell, which, on

face, and partakes of the form of the supporting-pieces, and adheresthereto, as herein shown and described. 7

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand andseal this 7th day of July, 1875.

AUGUST TRENKMANN. [1..s.|

Witnesses:

HENRY MILLER, E. F. KASTENHUBER.

to a handle made suitable for this purpose By this method of uniting(the tortoise-shell being partially fused, unites itself to the sur-

